Clientele perceptions of the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service livestock program

The purpose of this study was to conduct an assessment of the current perceptions of University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UWCES) livestock clientele. The study sample of 400 (8.5% of the population) was randomly selected by the Wyoming Agricultural Statistics Service (WASS) and was stratified in composition so that it contained a representative proportion of various types of livestock producers. Two hundred thirty-two questionnaires were returned (58% return rate) and the data received from these respondents were analyzed via statistical procedures that included mean, range, percentage, and t-test.;The major observations and conclusions indicated: (1) producers of traditional livestock species in Wyoming (beef, dairy, sheep, and horse) had a statistically significant higher level of satisfaction pertaining to the UWCES livestock program and that producers of non-traditional species in Wyoming (swine, poultry, goat, and exotic animals) had a statistically significant lower level of satisfaction, (2) livestock clientele had not perceived a difference in the educational services provided by the UWCES livestock program, regardless of whether the services were provided via the new multi-county organizational/programming structure or via the former single county organizational/programming structure, (3) the livestock program provided by the UWCES was perceived as beneficial and helpful to livestock producers, and (4) the UWCS has an opportunity to increase the number livestock producers it serves by inducing non-user clientele (42% of producers) to utilize its services.;The major recommendations derived from this study were: (1) the UWCES not only continue on its present course, but also seek other avenues and other opportunities to improve and advance program quality, (2) target non-user clientele to assess their perceptions, (3) increase the quantity and quality of the research, information, and education that is currently available to non-traditional livestock producers, and (4) increase public awareness of the educational opportunities (such as personal visits and field days) offered by the UWCES livestock program.